A Russian Su-27 jet collided with a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea Tuesday, a U.S. protection official informed Fox Information.
The jet in query was certainly one of two Su-27’s flying in tandem when the collision occurred in worldwide airspace over worldwide waters. The propeller to the drone was broken and the drone landed within the Black Sea, west of Crimea, the U.S. protection official informed Fox Information.
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The Russian Su-27 was headed towards Crimea and landed there after this incident, the official added. It’s unknown if there was any injury to the Su-27.
U.S. European Command and U.S. Air Forces Europe issued a press release on the incident through which they reported the occasions main as much as the collision and admonished the Russian navy for “a pattern of dangerous actions” in worldwide airspace.
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The assertion reads, “At approximately 7:03 AM (CET), one of the Russian Su-27 aircraft struck the propeller of the MQ-9, causing U.S. forces to have to bring the MQ-9 down in international waters. Several times before the collision, the Su-27s dumped fuel on and flew in front of the MQ-9 in a reckless, environmentally unsound and unprofessional manner. This incident demonstrates a lack of competence in addition to being unsafe and unprofessional.”
“This incident follows a pattern of dangerous actions by Russian pilots while interacting with U.S. and Allied aircraft over international airspace, including over the Black Sea. These aggressive actions by Russian aircrew are dangerous and could lead to miscalculation and unintended escalation,” the assertion warned.
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“Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9,” stated Gen. James B. Hecker, Commander, USAFE-AF. “In fact, this unsafe and unprofessional act by the Russians nearly caused both aircraft to crash.”
“U.S. and Allied aircraft will continue to operate in international airspace and we call on the Russians to conduct themselves professionally and safely,” Hecker continued.
It is a growing story. Verify again for updates.
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